A brazen thief stole a washing machine in front of its owner ­– before demanding letters from a passing postman.

The man reversed a white Transit van onto a driveway of a home in Pott Hall Road, West Road at around 10.30am yesterday.

He loaded up a washing machine which was on the drive before being confronted by a female from the house.

The thief swore at her and then asked a postman standing nearby for the post he was carrying.

The postman refused to hand it over.

The man was white, 5ft 8ins tall, in his early 20s, of slim build with blonde hair, and was wearing a white tank top.

Anyone with information should call PC Teri Hatch at Mildenhall Police on 101 with reference MH/14/873, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.